Tarot Navigator: Practical Spreads for Every Life Situation
Unlock your destiny with Tarot! Explore practical spreads for love, career, and self-discovery. Dive into the mystical world of Tarot and gain valuable insights today!
Exploring the External Through the Internal
Esotericism is a path to understanding the external world through a deep exploration of one's inner universe. And one of the most powerful tools on this path is Tarot. It's not just cards, but a visual compass in the world of meanings and emotions. They help to see what's in the air, but so difficult to grasp and comprehend. When you look at the image of a card, its symbols reveal the hidden essence of the situation, as if showing everything in the palm of your hand.
To understand Tarot, you don't need to belong to a particular religion or esoteric group. Its power lies in its universality. The cards use a language of symbols that existed long before modern beliefs: it is the symbolism of numbers, elements (Fire, Water, Air, Earth), colors, archetypal images, and, of course, ordinary playing cards, which became the basis for combining ancient knowledge into a holistic system of clues for the soul.
I discovered Tarot for myself at the age of 15. At that age, when the world seems both vast and incomprehensible, and people's actions seem chaotic and illogical, I was looking for a foothold. Trying to understand the hidden connections between events and people, I began to study numerology and Tarot. These tools helped me feel less lost, giving me the feeling that I could decipher meanings and stories that were previously inaccessible.
At first, I was a little disappointed that there was so little visible magic in everyday life. Tarot became my window into a world where it certainly existed, where every symbol and image breathed mystery. The older I got, the more realistically I perceived reality, but this did not kill my sense of wonder. On the contrary, I realized that the world is not simple or flat, but its true magic is not in spells, but inside everything that exists. It is in human psychology, in natural cycles, in the laws of the Universe.
Tarot became a language for me that allows me to talk about these things. It helped me to catch those elusive meanings that I felt intuitively, but could not explain in words. When I looked at the images, chaotic thoughts and feelings found their form, and everything became surprisingly clear.
It may seem to many that cards are something occult or supernatural, but in reality, they are much more logical. They speak the language of archetypes, psychology, and universal human experience – something that is much older and more interesting than any mystical rituals. It is a language of symbols that we can learn to understand.
The Basics: What You Need to Know Before Starting?
Before we dive into the spreads, here are a few important points:
Your Deck:
Choosing your first (and every subsequent) deck is a deeply personal, almost intimate process. First of all, ask yourself: "What do I want from these cards? What emotion or need prompted me to look for them?"
Your goal may be different:
Developing emotional intelligence and intuition?
Finding understanding with the world and other people?
Solving specific life problems?
Discovering something new for yourself, creative inspiration?
Seriously studying esotericism and its symbolic systems?
The answer to this question will determine the nature of your ideal deck.
For Studying the System and Symbolism
Beginners are often advised to use classic decks such as the Rider-Waite Tarot or the Thoth Tarot by Aleister Crowley, and this is great advice if your goal is to study the esoteric system, the symbolism of ancient signs, and the structure of the Tarot. These decks are the foundation on which many modern interpretations are built. Also, modern decks in the Marseilles style, which combine historical structure with a unique artistic vision, such as Trionfi Della Luna or Tarot de la Nuit, are great for this purpose. Their metaphorical message will help train memory and analytical thinking.
For Dialogue with the Soul and Self-Discovery
If your goal is deep self-discovery and dialogue with your own soul, I advise you to pay attention to the decks of the English school with a rich visual range. Look for images and colors that resonate with you on an emotional level. Don't be afraid to choose with your heart. Your deck is a mirror, and you should like it.
My Personal Review of Three Favorite Tarot Decks: Cosmic Tarot, Squidcake Marseille, and Edmund Dulac.
Cosmic Tarot by Norbert Lösche
School: English (Rider-Waite-Smith tradition).
Vision and Energy: This deck is a true classic of the 80s with its characteristic photorealistic, slightly cinematic style. The artist Norbert Lösche reinterpreted the classic Waite stories, giving the characters the features of real people, as if they were actors on a stage. There is no deep occult symbolism of Crowley here, but there is pure psychology of human relationships. The Cosmic Tarot cards speak very directly and clearly about social roles, interaction, ambitions, and feelings. They are ideal for analyzing daily situations, relationships in a team, and analyzing human dramas. I turn to this deck when I need to clearly and without unnecessary "magic" understand what is happening between people.
Squidcake Marseille Tarot
School: Marseilles.
Vision and Energy: This is a modern breath in an ancient tradition. Squidcake Marseille is an example of how the classic Marseilles system can look fresh, minimalist, and stylish. Unlike the English school, the Minor Arcana do not have plot drawings, which forces you to read them through the prism of numerology and the elements. This deck is about the structure, logic, and skeleton of any situation. It does not tell emotional stories, but shows how the system works. I use it when I need to understand not "what I feel", but "how does it work?". It is indispensable for analyzing karmic tasks, searching for root causes, and for questions that require not an emotional, but an analytical, unbiased answer.
Edmund Dulac Tarot
School: English (based on the Waite system).
Vision and Energy: This deck is pure poetry. It is based on illustrations by Edmund Dulac, one of the greatest artists of the "Golden Age of Illustration." Each card is a fragment of a fairy tale, a dream, a romantic story. Its energy is soft, watercolor, dreamy. It is not a tool for a rigid analysis of problems. It is a key to the world of the subconscious, creativity, fantasy, and the inner child. I turn to the Dulac Tarot when the question concerns creative potential, the search for inspiration, the analysis of dreams, or when it is necessary to give a person not so much a clear answer as a resource, hope, and a sense of wonder. It helps to see beauty and magic even in the most difficult situations.
Each of these decks opens up a different dimension of reality for me. Cosmic Tarot speaks about society, Squidcake Marseille – about the laws of the Universe, and Edmund Dulac – about the language of the soul. And together they give me the opportunity to see the world in all its diversity.
Setup:
Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. You can light a candle, incense stick, turn on meditative music – create an atmosphere that will help you focus.
Formulating the Question:
Clearly formulate the question. The more specific the question, the clearer the answer will be. Avoid questions that can only be answered with "yes" or "no", unless it is a special spread. It is better to ask: "What do I need to know about...", "What are the prospects...", "What will help me...".
Intuition vs. Book Meanings:
The meanings of the cards described in books are a great foundation. But don't be afraid to trust your intuition. What associations, feelings, thoughts does a particular card evoke in you in the context of your question? Often these intuitive insights are the most valuable.
Tarot Journal:
I highly recommend keeping a journal where you will write down your spreads, questions, drawn cards, their meanings, and your interpretations. Over time, reviewing the records, you will see how your understanding of the cards develops and how accurate your readings were.
And now – to practice!
Universal Spreads for Daily Use
These spreads are simple but very informative. They are ideal for daily practice and quickly getting answers.
1. "One Card" Spread (Card of the Day / Advice)
This is the simplest and perhaps the most popular spread. It is ideal for getting advice for the day, a quick answer to a specific question, or for understanding the general energy of the moment.
How to do it:
Focus on your question (for example, "What energy will accompany me today?", "What do I need to know about this situation?", "What advice will the cards give me?").
Thoroughly shuffle the deck.
Draw one card.
Interpretation:
This card is your answer or advice. Consider it carefully. What does it symbolize? What feelings does it evoke? How does its meaning relate to your question?
My Experience:
I often draw a "card of the day" in the morning. It helps me to tune in, understand what to pay attention to, what energies to expect. For example, if the "Tower" falls out, I understand that the day may bring unexpected changes, and it is worth being prepared for the destruction of old foundations. And if the "Sun" – I expect joy, success, and clarity.
2. "Three Card" Spread
This spread gives a more detailed picture. It has many variations, but the most common are:
Option A: "Past – Present – Future"
Card 1: Past – what led to the current situation, the origins of the problem.
Card 2: Present – what is happening now, the essence of the situation.
Card 3: Future – the likely outcome if everything continues as it is now.
Option B: "Situation – Action – Result"
Card 1: Description of the current situation or problem.
Card 2: Recommended action, what needs to be done.
Card 3: The likely outcome if you heed the advice of the second card.
Option C: "What Helps? – What Hinders? – Advice"
Card 1: Factors that help in solving the issue or achieving the goal.
Card 2: Obstacles, difficulties, what slows down the process.
Card 3: Advice from the cards on how to act to achieve the desired result.
My Experience:
The three-card spread is my favorite for quickly analyzing any situation. For example, when I hesitated about a new project, I made a "Situation – Action – Result" spread. The first card showed my doubts and fears ("The Moon"), the second – the need to act decisively and confidently ("The Magician"), and the third – success and recognition ("6 of Wands"). It gave me courage!
Spreads for Self-Discovery and Spiritual Growth
Tarot is a great tool for delving into your inner world.
1. "Path" Spread (or "My Path Now")
This spread helps to understand where you are on your life path, what lessons you are learning, and where you are moving.
Card Positions:
Where am I now? (Your current position, state, energy).
What is my main challenge/lesson at this stage? (What needs to be realized, overcome).
What are my strengths/resources for passing this stage? (What can be relied upon).
What should I avoid or give up? (What hinders progress).
Where is this path leading me? (Likely direction of development if you take into account the previous cards).
My Experience:
When I feel lost or don't understand where to go next, this spread becomes my compass. It helps to look at the situation from a bird's eye view and see the bigger picture.
2. "Shadow Side" Spread
Each of us has a "shadow" – those aspects of personality that we do not accept, suppress, or do not realize. Working with the shadow is an important part of spiritual growth.
Card Positions:
What do I realize in myself (light side)? (Qualities that you know and accept).
What do I hide from myself and others (shadow side)? (Unconscious or suppressed aspects).
How does this shadow side manifest in my life? (Specific situations, reactions).
What gift/resource does my shadow hide? (What valuable things can I get by accepting it).
How do I integrate this shadow side? (Steps to acceptance and healing).
My Experience:
This spread is not always pleasant, because it brings to the surface what you don't want to face. But it is the awareness and acceptance of your "shadow" aspects that gives a huge resource for development and inner integrity. I remember how the "Devil" card in the shadow position pointed out my addictions and fears, and this became the beginning of a great inner work.
Tarot in Relationships: Love, Friendship, Partnership
Relationships are one of the most frequent topics that people turn to Tarot with.
This spread helps to understand the dynamics in a couple, the strengths and weaknesses of the union.
Card Positions (often laid out in the form of the letter "H" or two columns and a connecting card):
You in this relationship: Your role, feelings, expectations.
Your partner in this relationship: His role, feelings, expectations.
What unites you? (The basis of the relationship, common goals, strengths).
What separates you / challenges in the relationship? (Problematic moments, conflicts).
What is the prospect of your relationship in the near future? (Likely development).
My Experience:
This spread has helped me and my friends better understand what is happening in their couples. Sometimes the cards showed that the partners are looking in different directions, and sometimes – that petty quarrels overshadow a deep connection that should be cherished.
2. "Choice Between Two Partners" Spread (or two options)
Sometimes life puts us before a choice, and Tarot can help clarify the situation.
Card Positions:
Significator of you in this situation: Your state, your doubts.
Characteristics of option A (Partner A / Path A): The essence of this option.
What will you get by choosing option A? (Likely outcome).
Characteristics of option B (Partner B / Path B): The essence of this option.
What will you get by choosing option B? (Likely outcome).
Advice from the cards / What will help you make a choice?
My Experience:
This spread is very clear. It is important to remember that the cards do not make a choice for you, but only highlight the possible consequences and aspects of each option, so that you can make a more informed decision.
Career and Finance: How Can Tarot Help?
Tarot can be a great tool for analyzing the professional sphere and financial situation.
1. "New Job / Project" Spread
Suitable when you are considering a new job offer, starting a new project, or thinking about changing your career direction.
Card Positions:
The essence of the offer / project: What is it really?
Your prospects / potential in this: Will you be able to realize yourself?
Positive sides / advantages: What good will it bring you?
Possible difficulties / disadvantages: "Pitfalls".
Financial aspect: How will it affect your income?
Impact on other areas of life: Will personal life, health suffer?
Final advice / Likely outcome if you agree.
My Experience:
I always do this spread before taking on something new in the professional field. It helps to soberly assess all the "pros" and "cons".
2. "Financial Flow" Spread
Helps to understand what is happening with your finances, where there are blocks, and how to improve the situation.
Card Positions:
Your current financial situation.
What is blocking your financial flow? (Internal attitudes, external circumstances).
What contributes to the flow of money into your life? (Your talents, opportunities).
What actions need to be taken to improve the financial situation?
The likely outcome of these actions in the near future.
My Experience:
This spread often reveals that our financial problems are related not so much to external factors as to our internal beliefs about money and our own value.
The "Celtic Cross" Spread – A Classic That Is Always Relevant
This is one of the most famous and detailed Tarot spreads. It is suitable for a deep analysis of a complex situation. Due to its volume, I will describe the positions briefly, but remember that each card here deserves careful study.
Card Positions (10 cards):
The essence of the question / Current situation: The heart of the problem.
What crosses / Influence: An immediate challenge or what helps/hinders.
Foundation / Subconsciousness: The deep causes of the situation, what lies at the base.
Past: Recent events that influenced the situation.
What crowns / Awareness: What you strive for, or what you are aware of at the moment. Possible best outcome.
Nearest future: What will happen in the near future.
You / Your attitude: Your position, feelings, thoughts about the situation.
External influences / Environment: People, circumstances that affect you.
Hopes and fears: Your inner expectations and fears.
Summary / Final result: The likely outcome of the situation if everything develops naturally.
My Experience:
I use the "Celtic Cross" for truly confusing and multifaceted questions. It gives a very deep understanding of all aspects of the problem. For example, when I could not understand the reason for a protracted conflict with a loved one, this spread helped to put everything in its place and find a way to reconciliation.
Important to Remember: Ethics and Responsibility in Working with Tarot
In conclusion, I want to emphasize a few important points:
Tarot is an advisor, not a verdict. The cards show probabilities, not an inevitable future. You always have freedom of will and choice.
Do not shift responsibility to the cards. Tarot can help you see the situation more clearly, but you make the decision.
Do not ask the same question many times in a row, hoping to get a different answer. This will only confuse you. Let the situation develop.
Treat the cards and the process with respect.
If you are doing a spread for another person, do it only with their permission and with the utmost tact and empathy. Do not give direct instructions, but help the person to understand the message of the cards themselves. Avoid divination on third parties without their knowledge and consent.
Tarot does not replace professional help. If you have serious health, mental, or legal issues, consult the appropriate specialists.
Conclusion: Your Personal Dialogue with the Universe
Dear friends, I hope this article has inspired you to try or deepen your practice of working with Tarot. Remember that each spread is a unique dialogue between you, your intuition, and the wisdom of the cards. Don't be afraid to experiment, create your own spreads, trust your feelings.
Tarot is an endless source of knowledge and self-discovery. The more you practice, the deeper and clearer your understanding of the symbols and their messages will become. Each card is a whole universe, and each deck is a unique key to it.
May your spreads be clear, your answers be wise, and your path of self-knowledge with the help of Tarot be exciting and fruitful! Practice, explore, and may the magic of the cards always be with you, illuminating your path on ezoteric.net and in life!
